Ukraine Eases Wartime Travel Ban for Young Men
Ukraine has announced a major policy update effective August 29, 2025: men aged 18 to 22 can now leave the country freely until they turn 23. This marks a relaxation from the previous stringent wartime restriction that applied to men aged 18 to 60. Kyiv frames the move as supporting education and employment opportunities abroad while maintaining national bonds, though implications for military manpower remain a concern.([The Times of India][1])
MCQs:
1. From what date has Ukraine allowed men aged 18–22 to leave the country?
A) August 1, 2025
B) August 29, 2025
C) September 1, 2025
D) July 15, 2025
Answer: B) August 29, 2025
2. What age group was previously restricted from leaving Ukraine during wartime?
A) 18–40 years
B) 20–60 years
C) 18–60 years
D) 22–60 years
Answer: C) 18–60 years
3. What reasons did Ukraine give for relaxing the travel ban?
A) To reduce population
B) For diplomatic advantages
C) To support education and employment abroad
D) To circumvent sanctions
Answer: C) To support education and employment abroad
Famine Declared in Gaza Amid Escalating Humanitarian Crisis
As of August 29, 2025, the UN World Food Programme declared a man-made famine in Gaza, affecting over half a million people. Aid is severely restricted by blockades and conflict, pushing the territory toward catastrophic mortality. This has sparked intense international debate, with over 500 UN staff urging a genocide designation. Israel denies famine claims, attributing them to misinformation, while Western countries have responded with sanctions on Iran and barred Israeli officials from events.([The Guardian][2])
MCQs:
1. As of August 29, 2025, how many people in Gaza are affected by famine?
A) Over 100,000
B) Over 250,000
C) Over 500,000
D) Over 1 million
Answer: C) Over 500,000
2. Which organization declared the famine in Gaza?
A) World Health Organization
B) United Nations World Food Programme
C) International Red Cross
D) UNICEF
Answer: B) United Nations World Food Programme
3. What action did over 500 UN staff request regarding Israel’s actions?
A) Increase military support
B) Call it genocide
C) Provide more funding
D) Impose travel bans
Answer: B) Call it genocide
India–China Relations See a Thaw Ahead of SCO Summit
India and China are signaling improved diplomatic ties as Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi prepares to visit China for the first time in seven years to attend the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit. This follows years of border clashes and economic friction, including app bans and stalled talks. Recent progress includes military de-escalation, resumed direct flights, and public Chinese support against U.S. tariffs.([Reuters][3], [The Washington Post][4])
MCQs:
1. Where is PM Modi traveling for the first time in seven years to meet Xi Jinping?
A) Japan
B) China
C) Russia
D) USA
Answer: B) China
2. Which summit will PM Modi be attending in China?
A) G20 Summit
B) ASEAN Summit
C) SCO Summit
D) BRICS Summit
Answer: C) SCO Summit
3. What has India recently done to ease tensions with China?
A) Imposed stricter tariffs
B) Banned Chinese apps
C) Resumed direct flights and diplomatic talks
D) Joined military alliances
Answer: C) Resumed direct flights and diplomatic talks
First National Conference of SC/ST Welfare Committees in Odisha
Bhubaneswar is hosting a two-day national conference on August 29–30, 2025, bringing together chairpersons of SC/ST welfare committees from Parliament and state legislatures. The event, inaugurated by Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla at the Lok Seva Bhavan, aims to strengthen legislative roles in socio-economic empowerment. Cultural exhibitions and visits to local landmarks like the Jagannath Temple and Tribal Museum are part of the program.([The Times of India][5])
MCQs:
1. In which city is the SC/ST welfare conference being held?
A) New Delhi
B) Mumbai
C) Bhubaneswar
D) Kolkata
Answer: C) Bhubaneswar
2. Who is inaugurating the conference?
A) President of India
B) Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla
C) Union Tribal Affairs Minister
D) Odisha Chief Minister
Answer: B) Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla
3. What type of exhibition is included in the event?
A) Technology startups
B) SC/ST cultural heritage and handicrafts
C) Bollywood films
D) Sports achievements
Answer: B) SC/ST cultural heritage and handicrafts
Chhattisgarh Kicks Off National Sports Day Celebrations
Chhattisgarh is celebrating National Sports Day from August 29 to 31, 2025, with the theme “One hour, on the playground,” honoring Major Dhyan Chand’s birth anniversary. Raipur will host events featuring athletes from various sports, alongside sessions on mental health and nutrition. A girls’ football match is scheduled for August 30, followed by a cycling rally on August 31. All 33 districts will also host sports events and educational seminars.([The Times of India][6])
MCQs:
1. What theme is Chhattisgarh using for its Sports Day?
A) Play and Win
B) One hour, on the playground
C) Fit India Forever
D) Run for Unity
Answer: B) One hour, on the playground
2. Which birth anniversary does National Sports Day commemorate?
A) Sachin Tendulkar
B) Major Dhyan Chand
C) Milkha Singh
D) P.V. Sindhu
Answer: B) Major Dhyan Chand
3. Which event takes place on August 31 in Durg?
A) Cricket match
B) Cycle rally (“Fit India Sunday on Cycle”)
C) Badminton championship
D) Marathon
Answer: B) Cycle rally (“Fit India Sunday on Cycle”)
